We’re all excited to get back to travel now that borders have begun to open and restrictions are easing up. But travel is obviously very different now than it was a couple of years ago.

While we’re looking forward to leaving the pandemic behind us, one change here to stay are face masks; they have become standard now across many destinations, transport, and public gathering places.

While many places like airlines might give you a mask, it’s worthwhile traveling with your own which you know is yours, and you’re comfortable wearing.

The CDC recently updated its mask guidelines, so the next logical question before you jump on that plane, bus, or train:

What is the BEST face mask for travel to keep you safe?

How to Choose the Safest and Most Comfortable Mask for Travel

Protection Against Airborne Viruses

Let’s face it, you’ve planned this trip for a long time and want the memories to last a lifetime. The last thing you want is to get sick and spend your trip in bed, or worse, in the hospital.

Make sure your mask has filters that are N95 compliant and enhanced to remove 99.99% of pathogens and airborne viruses upon contact.

Especially when traveling for extended periods in crowded quarters, your mask should be engineered for protection beyond a basic cloth mask.

Removable & Replaceable Filters

Look for different filter options for protection against airborne viruses. This is a great way to make your mask work in any situation.

Change out your filters as needed. For example, the FrontLine Mask’s filters from LCP Medical (spoiler alert – our pick for best mask) are engineered to protect from airborne viruses with three (3) levels of protection:

N95 Compliant Base Filter – for general everyday use, school, office, retail, and dining with N95 rated filter material.*

Anti-PathoGen Filter offers advanced protection for higher exposure situations, vulnerable medical conditions, public transportation, and large crowds.

This PathoGen™ protection filter is a proprietary, enhanced filter, made from multiple layers of pure elemental copper, reported by the EPA to eliminate 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. 

Sport Filter – A high-flow filter material for exercise, sports, and outdoor activities.

Material

The most protective masks will be lightweight and have two or more layers of good-quality fabric with professional-grade filtration.

Certain kinds of masks are prohibited on some airlines, including masks with valves and vents, so be prepared. A high airflow mesh outer layer with a cotton interior is a great option. 

Sizing & Fit

Let’s face it, we come in all shapes and sizes, and so should your mask. A great mask is designed to fit your face, provide an optimal seal and allow airflow around your mouth.

A stiff polymer frame stays in place to prevent the mask from touching your skin or bunching around your face. Important features like contoured design and adjustable ear-loops allow your mask to sit securely and comfortably.

Look for adult and child sizes for the best sizing options. Your mask should fit snug across your nose with an embedded nose wire for optimal safety. You also want a no-flow lower panel against your chin for the best seal.

High Breathability

Breathing is kind of a big deal, and you should never feel like you’re suffocating when wearing a mask for hours at a time.

Therefore, your mask should be custom-designed with a breathable fabric frame that sits away from your nose and mouth. It may sound counter-intuitive, but you also want to look for masks with a tight outer seal for optimal safety.

Anti Fogging

Anyone who wears glasses knows anti-fogging is a critical feature. A secure nose bridge panel wiring will prevent your glasses from fogging so you can see properly. 

Makeup Friendly

Another important feature is shape and content. An interior mask made with cotton will prevent skin irritation and “maskne”.

A slightly stiff cone shape will hold the mask away from your mouth and keep makeup from smudging. 

Cost

An investment around $50 is worth it for a mask that is comfortable, reusable, washable and provides excellent protection from infection.

A disposable surgical cloth mask or decorative cloth mask may cost less, but the cost of catching or spreading COVID-19 is enormous.

Protecting yourself and your loved ones is worth every penny many times over. Plus, we haven’t even begun to measure what disposable masks are doing to the environment. 

Reusable & Hand Washable

Travel masks should be hand-washable for convenience and air dry easily for use the next day.

Best recommendation would be to buy 2 masks and switch off while you clean the used mask.

Credentials

Look for credentials and products / brands who have won awards, like the Smart Brief Innovation Award for Best Safety & Health Solutions.

The winner of that award in 2021 is LCP-Medical’s FrontLine™ Face Mask. 

With its protection against airborne viruses, breathability, replaceable filters, comfortable shape and washable fabric, the FrontLine Face Mask covers everything you need in a face mask for your next adventure.

You can pick one up today at: lcp-medical.com/product/frontline-face-mask-kit/

*This product has not been approved by FDA or NIOSH. Submissions are pending. Claims of pathogen destruction have not yet been tested or evaluated by the FDA. Therefore, this product is not approved for medical use. Preliminary review indicates this product complies with ASTM F3502-21 Barrier Face Coverings Standard Level 2 when used as directed.